As the parliamentary session comes to an end and the Commons goes into the summer recess, I wanted to write to you in this edition of the newsletter about the work that I do at Westminster after my first year as your MP.

My main priority throughout the year has been to act as a link between Westminster and Wimbledon. In one sense, an MP is an ambassador for his or her constituency at the House of Commons and that is a role that I have sought to develop to the full. The tennis has put Wimbledon on the map, but as those of us who live in Wimbledon know, there is much more to Wimbledon than just that.

It has been a particular honour to speak in the House of Commons about some of the other fine projects which are going on in Wimbledon and which offer examples of best practice to other areas of the country. This year I have spoken about the development of IT at Wimbledon Park First School, the community policing project in Abbey ward, the work of the Polka international, children's theatre, and the strengthening of the multicultural identity of Merton, to name but a few. I hope the Government now has a fuller perception of what Wimbledon is really like.

Through speeches, parliamentary questions, informal meetings and delegations to Ministers, an MP also has many opportunities to raise the concerns of individual constituents and of his or her constituency as a whole. For example, I recently led a delegation to the Education Minister Stephen Byers to discuss the raising of standards in Merton's schools. In a debate on the NHS, I called on the Government to change the national funding formula, so that Londoners receive the health services they need. 

The job of representing Wimbledon at Westminster is made easier by the fact that Wimbledon is so well known and most of my colleagues know where it is! Most of all, however, it is made easier by Wimbledon's proximity to central London. This allows me both to stay in touch with my constituents and to work in the constituency on a day-to-day basis throughout the year. It is a great privilege to be able to act as a one-stop shop between Wimbledon and Westminster, to have an issue raised with me in the morning and be able to collar the relevant minister, if necessary, later that afternoon. Being an MP is about helping the business of government become much more of a two-way street.

The accessibility of Westminster has also meant that many Wimbledon residents and local groups have been able to visit the House of Commons throughout the year. It is still a thrilling experience to go up to the House of Commons every day. But I always try to remember that I am there not just for myself but as someone who can open the building and the process of government to the wider community in my area.

As the summer recess looms, I look forward to having one job for a while (my work in the constituency) rather than two! I hope I have been able to give you some sense of how I have been working to develop the links between Wimbledon and Westminster and that you too will visit the Commons before too long. In the meantime, may I take this opportunity to wish you and your family a good summer.

Roger Casale MP